PATTI AUSTIN ~ In & Out Of Love

THIS ALBUM HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. THE BEST OF R&B/POP!!!

Much has been written about vocalists and worth of material recorded throughout a career . . .

It is this writer's opinion that everything is subjective and all is open to criticism - yet a gift is a gift, a voice is a voice, a talent is a talent . . . .to be used as the artist wishes to use it. Having said that, Patti Austin has always been a special artist with wide-ranging talents and taste in music. Because of her diversity often she has been ignored or misunderstood, as the record business is keen on categorizing music and performer. Austin sings everything equally well, from "jazz" to "country" to "soul" to "pop". She is the the true meaning of vocalist and any and every recording she has ever made is worth the cost of purchase. "In & Out Of Love" is no exception to the Austin legacy. Though on the Concord/Vista label, this record should not be deemed a jazz recording. It is, in fact one of Austin's most funky, soulful outings since her days on Quincy Jones' Qwest Records in the 80s. Each and every track here has something to offer - proving again that Austin does sing everything well, with a unique understanding about the heart of each genre.

The title song is the opener of the set and it almost says "I'm Baack!" to diehard fans, as she easily flows through a jeep-heavy R&B mid-tempo. The ballads, especially "I'll Never Get Over You" and "Once in A Lifetime" are heavenly, and the funk of "Totally Unacceptable", the spirited R&B of "Doe Si Do In" are splendid showcases for this vocalists' vocalist.

"If We're Not In Love" is a gem as is the dance/club track "Why You Wanna Be Like That"! Also, worth mentioning is the splendid "I Offer You Love" (a soulful duet with strong session vocalist Tony Lindsay), the up-tempo re-make of "Summer Breeze" and the gospel-tinged "I Will Be There".

Austin's ever-glowing star shines throughout this entire CD, but it is most clear with her Grammy-worthy delivery on the updated 1950s "Maybe" that there is something just not right with a music industry that still refuses to give the mega-talented singer her propers!

This is a CD worthy of repeated plays, indefinitely ...